Sharing the Road

Study questions with answers

12 sample Sharing the Road questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. A passenger should keep both feet on the footrests:

   Correct answer: Even when the motorcycle is stopped

   Firm footing on the pegs, kept even at stops, keeps the passenger from slipping off and pulling the rider down.

   Source: Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual - Carrying Passengers and Cargo (Preparing Your Passenger)

2. 2. In a group ride, the sweep rider is the one who:

   Correct answer: Rides last in line and sets the pace

   The sweep rider is the last in line, one of the most experienced, and sets the pace for the whole group.

   Source: Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual - Group Riding (Plan)

3. 3. In a group, riding directly beside another rider in the same lane is:

   Correct answer: Never a good idea

   Never ride two abreast in one lane; there is nowhere to move if you must avoid a car or a hazard in the road.

   Source: Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual - Group Riding (Don't Pair Up)

4. 4. Because its dual wheels are nearly as wide as a car's, a three-wheel motorcycle should be ridden:

   Correct answer: Toward the center of the lane

   Keep a three-wheeler near the center of the lane so its wide track does not cross the painted lines into other traffic.

   Source: Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual - Three-Wheel Supplement (Lane Position)

5. 5. Riding between rows of stopped or slow cars in the same lane, known as lane sharing, is:

   Correct answer: Usually prohibited and risky

   Lane sharing is usually prohibited and leaves you exposed to opening doors, turning cars, and other surprises.

   Source: Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual - Passing and Being Passed (Lane Sharing)

6. 6. The best way for a group of two-wheel motorcycles to stay compact yet keep a safe cushion is to ride in:

   Correct answer: A staggered formation

   A staggered formation keeps the group close together while giving each rider an adequate space cushion.

   Source: Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual - Group Riding (Staggered Formation)

7. 7. When you carry a passenger, the motorcycle will:

   Correct answer: Take longer to speed up, slow down, and turn

   Added passenger weight means the machine takes longer to speed up, slow down, and turn, so ride slower and leave more room.

   Source: Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual - Carrying Passengers and Cargo (Riding With Passengers)

8. 8. When a car is entering the highway from an on-ramp, you should:

   Correct answer: Give it room by changing lanes or adjusting speed

   A merging driver may not see you, so change lanes if one is open or adjust your speed to open a gap for them.

   Source: Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual - Passing and Being Passed (Merging Cars)

9. 9. According to the manual, carrying a passenger or a large load should be attempted only by:

   Correct answer: Experienced riders

   Because the added weight changes the way the bike handles, only experienced riders should carry passengers or heavy loads.

   Source: Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual - Carrying Passengers and Cargo

10. 10. A good way to deal with a tailgater is usually to:

    Correct answer: Change lanes and let them pass

    Let the tailgater get ahead of you by changing lanes, or slow down to open room for both of you to stop.

    Source: Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual - Keeping Your Distance (Being Followed)

11. 11. Unlike a two-wheel motorcycle, a conventional three-wheel motorcycle:

    Correct answer: Cannot lean, so you point the front wheel where you want to go

    Three-wheelers do not lean or countersteer; you steer by pointing the front wheel in the direction you want to travel.

    Source: Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual - Three-Wheel Supplement (Basic Vehicle Control)

12. 12. In a group ride, inexperienced riders should be placed:

    Correct answer: Just behind the leader

    Put newer riders just behind the leader so they keep pace without chasing and the experienced riders can watch them from behind.

    Source: Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual - Group Riding (Plan)